Look, the reason you start Orji is to fully weaponize our rushing attack and make it a truly devastating force that crushes opponent's will. Then you hope he gets better at the passing game as the season goes on so that we can win a playoff game or two.
While this is going on, you heavily invest in Jadyn Davis to become a QB who can win it all.
It sure was nice having JJ back there for that last regulation drive against Alabama. That's the situation where the 5* pays off. True, we didn't particularly need his abilities for almost all the season -- but we don't go to the Natty without J J on that drive.
That said, I'm looking forward to Orji as our QB. Get ready for some real read options.
Obviously, having a valid passing attack is extremely beneficial to keeping the defense from 8 man boxes. But a running QB like Orji is not just there to scramble. He can be an active part of the rush game, forcing the defense to account for him. I look forward to this immensely.
And obviously they are going to start Orji, if he is even moderately competent as a passer. He's the only guy with an elite trait.
If you're starting Orji it's because he's a plus runner. It also means that you have to incorporate him pretty fully into the run game. He's a big guy -- he can take it.
I smile to think how the Don is going to benefit from a fully charged run game with a QB run threat like Orji.
The sad reality is that the great majority of sports journalists know next to nothing about the subject they are covering. These are the guys who say "quarterback keeper" when it's a read option. The issue here is not that they don't like JJ as a high draft pick, but the complete lack of competent rationale. (In my opinion, Williams and Maye are the two most likely to bust out of the top 4).
It does make you appreciate the competent sports journalists, like Klatt and a few others.
The sad reality is that the great majority of sports journalists know next to nothing about the subject they are covering. These are the guys who say "quarterback keeper" when it's a read option. The issue here is not that they don't like JJ as a high draft pick, but the complete lack of competent rationale. (In my opinion, Williams and Maye are the two most likely to bust out of the top 4).
It does make you appreciate the competent sports journalists, like Klatt and a few others.
Orji is an elite runner, which gives us one portion of the offense that will likely be devastating -- we won't be complaining next year about the QB not running! So if he comes along as a passer, then the offense will be serviceable. And we will win a ton of games.
It's such a pleasure cheering for guys like this. I find myself really looking forward to this year. We knew that last year was a peak roster for us and our big chance. So as a fan some of the pressure is off. But I am really pumped to see these younger guys rise up and seize their moment. Hats off to Jaydon.
Harbaugh definitely will be tempted to take Bowers at 4 (assuming no trade down). But even he will sober up and take one of the top receivers if they are available.
I've been hoping we would take a look at Furman's Bob Richey. I had lunch with him a couple of years ago and he's a great guy. When I mentioned that I graduated from Michigan he wouldn't stop talking about Beilein. He has modeled his whole career and his scheme on Beilein and was amazed at how much detailed knowledge I had of it. I of course pointed him to MGoBlog as a source from which he could profit.
I realize that Furman didn't have a great season. But last year they had a tourney run and they came very close to beating us at Crisler a few years ago. I was almost cheering for Richey in that game.
I get it, but I think you're probably wrong. It's haunting in its beauty and solemnity and they will enjoy the changing of the guard. It's one of those things that gives a child a sense of our debt to those who sacrificed for us. But don't go on Memorial Day weekend unless you want to get stuck behind 2000 motorcycles.
Vicksburg was indeed a great campaign, showing how Grant is so under-rated as a commander. But Second Manassas is the greatest campaign by an American general. Unbelievable stuff. But, still, kudos to Ulysses.
Well, yeah. It's a great battlefield. And both sides of your past can shed a tear when you envision A. P. Hill's corps marching up from Harper's Ferry. A very dramatic moment in the Civil War.
Chickamauga is one of the best battlefield parks. After Gettysburg, I might rate it #2. You might stop by Charleston and go to Ft. Sumter and the battery. And it's such a beautiful city. As for Antietam, your boys will love the bloody alley and Burnside Bridge.
No to even the idea of Calipari. He is the antithesis of everything we hold dear. He is the anti-Beilein. Instead of developing players and culture, he buys young kids and runs them out there to win on sheer talent. No.
Much as I would love to see Blake reunited with Jimmy, I just don't see it. The Chargers should absolutely take an OT, but Harbaugh and Brock Bowers would be hard to pass up. In any case, they should definitely trade down, since there are several players who would fit them as a 1st round pick. I'm sold on the Vikings trading up and taking JJ and happy for him if they do. He will be terrific in that offense. Not good for Lions fans though.
Please. Harbaugh came here when we were in deplorable shape and he leaves with Michigan as National Champions. Be happy. Thank you, Jim! Now, Sherrone has got to do it and he needs to build his own staff, not just inherit Harbaugh's.
Bear in mind that Sherrone has been our OC. So it's not unlikely that hiring Campbell is a way for Sherrone to maintain continuity with his own Harbaughesque offensive philosophy and plan via a trusted subordinate.
It's funny how much more fun it seems to see how an entire offense of new guys look when we're holding the national championship. This is what I love about college football -- new young guys developing and moving up. I trust our development on the O-line (and the transfers), it will be fun to see the young receivers, and I for one am all in on the Alex Orji experience at QB. We only have to be one of the best 12 teams in the country, for crying out loud, and with our defense that should be very doable.
I share the bulk of your sentiment. I will always love Harbaugh and be grateful for what he has done at Michigan. And of course I want him back. But he seems to really want to go back to the NFL at some point. Now would the ideal time. 40-3 indeed.
J J has been a terrific QB -- our best since Harbaugh himself. More than that, he has been a great Michigan man and teammate, the epitome of what UM values and espouses. What a joy it has been watching him for 3 years, not only for his performance but also for the love and joy with which he plays the game. Of course, I wish he stayed. But I have nothing but gratitude and appreciation for JJ McCarthy. I'll be his fan for life.
I wouldn't be so sure about Dabo. Living here in SC and surrounded by Clemson fans, they were terrified of this scenario a few years ago but are not now. Reasons -- Dabo has become deeply embedded at Clemson, which is now his program, and the guy won't use the transfer portal and fights against NIL. He's going to coach at Bama? Yes, Dabo is ticked right now that the fan base harrassed him, but they have showered him with love since the notorious radio call with Tyler from Spartanburg. So it's possible given his deep roots in Bama. But I too don't think it's likely.
I have a good feeling about Trente, which would really help. But I think Nugent was a grad transfer. I mean you have to leave college some time, don't you?
If Trente stays we have El Hadi, Crippen, Trente, and Hinton. That's not a bad start. Add in a couple or three transfers and we'll be good to go.
He lived here in Greenville, SC for a number of years. It was across the street from my daughter-in-law's parents house. He said he was there to be near a daughter. Always cheerful and always thrilled by our "Go Blue"s.
The key is going to be our red zone defense. I expect this game to play out on defense just like the 21 and 22 OSU games. I.e., they can move pretty freely from 20 to 20 but find the red zone another matter. As such, I expect touchdowns to be hard to get for UW. Meanwhile, how is that defense going to stop us on offense, unless we stop ourselves? So, a clean game on offense and Michigan should win.
Recent Comments
And the Transcontinental! Why is no one talking about this!
Yes, Tuttle looked alot better than Warren last year. Tuttle is not a bad QB. Not that he's going to start this year, though.
Look, the reason you start Orji is to fully weaponize our rushing attack and make it a truly devastating force that crushes opponent's will. Then you hope he gets better at the passing game as the season goes on so that we can win a playoff game or two.
While this is going on, you heavily invest in Jadyn Davis to become a QB who can win it all.
Get ready for the following 2024 season:
Lots of Orji in the fully weaponized run game, in which the Don has an epic season.
Lots of easy read short passes as we move the sticks and march down the field.
A completely suffocating defense that cleans up mistakes and gives short fields.
This will be enough for a very good season. If Orji can improve to make some downfield shots each game, then we're in the conversation.
It sure was nice having JJ back there for that last regulation drive against Alabama. That's the situation where the 5* pays off. True, we didn't particularly need his abilities for almost all the season -- but we don't go to the Natty without J J on that drive.
That said, I'm looking forward to Orji as our QB. Get ready for some real read options.
Obviously, having a valid passing attack is extremely beneficial to keeping the defense from 8 man boxes. But a running QB like Orji is not just there to scramble. He can be an active part of the rush game, forcing the defense to account for him. I look forward to this immensely.
And obviously they are going to start Orji, if he is even moderately competent as a passer. He's the only guy with an elite trait.
If you're starting Orji it's because he's a plus runner. It also means that you have to incorporate him pretty fully into the run game. He's a big guy -- he can take it.
I smile to think how the Don is going to benefit from a fully charged run game with a QB run threat like Orji.
I'm with you on Maye. But let's not leave out Caleb Williams. And I agree that Penix in the right system could be very good. A terrific passer.
The sad reality is that the great majority of sports journalists know next to nothing about the subject they are covering. These are the guys who say "quarterback keeper" when it's a read option. The issue here is not that they don't like JJ as a high draft pick, but the complete lack of competent rationale. (In my opinion, Williams and Maye are the two most likely to bust out of the top 4).
It does make you appreciate the competent sports journalists, like Klatt and a few others.
The sad reality is that the great majority of sports journalists know next to nothing about the subject they are covering. These are the guys who say "quarterback keeper" when it's a read option. The issue here is not that they don't like JJ as a high draft pick, but the complete lack of competent rationale. (In my opinion, Williams and Maye are the two most likely to bust out of the top 4).
It does make you appreciate the competent sports journalists, like Klatt and a few others.
Orji is an elite runner, which gives us one portion of the offense that will likely be devastating -- we won't be complaining next year about the QB not running! So if he comes along as a passer, then the offense will be serviceable. And we will win a ton of games.
It's such a pleasure cheering for guys like this. I find myself really looking forward to this year. We knew that last year was a peak roster for us and our big chance. So as a fan some of the pressure is off. But I am really pumped to see these younger guys rise up and seize their moment. Hats off to Jaydon.
Harbaugh definitely will be tempted to take Bowers at 4 (assuming no trade down). But even he will sober up and take one of the top receivers if they are available.
Plus, Harbaugh played with his dad. So there's a 100% chance that JH will take him if available. And well he should.
JJ may be better than Kyler Murray. But is he better than Kyler Murray + MHJ?
For JJ's sake, I hope the Commanders or the Pats don't take him. The Vikings would be much better, even though it would be a pain for Lions fans.
I've been hoping we would take a look at Furman's Bob Richey. I had lunch with him a couple of years ago and he's a great guy. When I mentioned that I graduated from Michigan he wouldn't stop talking about Beilein. He has modeled his whole career and his scheme on Beilein and was amazed at how much detailed knowledge I had of it. I of course pointed him to MGoBlog as a source from which he could profit.
I realize that Furman didn't have a great season. But last year they had a tourney run and they came very close to beating us at Crisler a few years ago. I was almost cheering for Richey in that game.
I don't think you're getting the vibe of this post. She's actually not a descendant of royalty and is, you know, a young mother.
I don't think you're getting the vibe of this post. She's actually not a descendant of royalty and is, you know, a young mother.
You all are really making me want to go see Shiloh. As an Easterner, I've been to most of our battlefields. But Shiloh is a big deal.
I get it, but I think you're probably wrong. It's haunting in its beauty and solemnity and they will enjoy the changing of the guard. It's one of those things that gives a child a sense of our debt to those who sacrificed for us. But don't go on Memorial Day weekend unless you want to get stuck behind 2000 motorcycles.
Vicksburg was indeed a great campaign, showing how Grant is so under-rated as a commander. But Second Manassas is the greatest campaign by an American general. Unbelievable stuff. But, still, kudos to Ulysses.
Well, yeah. It's a great battlefield. And both sides of your past can shed a tear when you envision A. P. Hill's corps marching up from Harper's Ferry. A very dramatic moment in the Civil War.
Chickamauga is one of the best battlefield parks. After Gettysburg, I might rate it #2. You might stop by Charleston and go to Ft. Sumter and the battery. And it's such a beautiful city. As for Antietam, your boys will love the bloody alley and Burnside Bridge.
No to even the idea of Calipari. He is the antithesis of everything we hold dear. He is the anti-Beilein. Instead of developing players and culture, he buys young kids and runs them out there to win on sheer talent. No.
Much as I would love to see Blake reunited with Jimmy, I just don't see it. The Chargers should absolutely take an OT, but Harbaugh and Brock Bowers would be hard to pass up. In any case, they should definitely trade down, since there are several players who would fit them as a 1st round pick. I'm sold on the Vikings trading up and taking JJ and happy for him if they do. He will be terrific in that offense. Not good for Lions fans though.
Michigan was great until you got there.
Please. Harbaugh came here when we were in deplorable shape and he leaves with Michigan as National Champions. Be happy. Thank you, Jim! Now, Sherrone has got to do it and he needs to build his own staff, not just inherit Harbaugh's.
Bear in mind that Sherrone has been our OC. So it's not unlikely that hiring Campbell is a way for Sherrone to maintain continuity with his own Harbaughesque offensive philosophy and plan via a trusted subordinate.
He wouldn't be Dan Campbell is he kicked those field goals.
Thank you, Jimmy! We believe in you, Sherrone!
Thank you, Jim! Who’s had it better than us? Nobody!
Now win the Super Bowl!
It's funny how much more fun it seems to see how an entire offense of new guys look when we're holding the national championship. This is what I love about college football -- new young guys developing and moving up. I trust our development on the O-line (and the transfers), it will be fun to see the young receivers, and I for one am all in on the Alex Orji experience at QB. We only have to be one of the best 12 teams in the country, for crying out loud, and with our defense that should be very doable.
Exactly! And look what happened -- we were terrible this year! Our second quarter offense in the National Championship Game was unacceptable!
I share the bulk of your sentiment. I will always love Harbaugh and be grateful for what he has done at Michigan. And of course I want him back. But he seems to really want to go back to the NFL at some point. Now would the ideal time. 40-3 indeed.
Except that this tweet was negotiating through the public.
I have liked Denegal too, but I think he was in the #2 spot because Orji was injured.
Uh, that's a pretty good team. Looking forward to cheering for them!
Ahem, Harbaugh?
J J has been a terrific QB -- our best since Harbaugh himself. More than that, he has been a great Michigan man and teammate, the epitome of what UM values and espouses. What a joy it has been watching him for 3 years, not only for his performance but also for the love and joy with which he plays the game. Of course, I wish he stayed. But I have nothing but gratitude and appreciation for JJ McCarthy. I'll be his fan for life.
That's a good team. All comes down to QB.
While, yeah, this is worst case, don't you think Trente comes back for a starting role?
I appreciate the effort to really do "worst case," but I think some things are missing:
LB -- You forget that Barham has transferred to Michigan from Maryland. So he'll be in there.
OL -- Hinton probably will start. And even a worst case scenario should have a couple of (as of yet unknown) transfers in it.
RB -- Mullings needs to be in here, because there is no realistic chance that he leaves. (And what a beast he is going to be).
DL -- I know this is "worst case," but Stewart looks very likely to return to me. We'll have another great D line.
So the question is QB. We'll be fine to excellent at every position group. But JJ's decision looms very large over Team 145.
Makes sense. I don't a 20M buyout is the deterrent it once was.
I wouldn't be so sure about Dabo. Living here in SC and surrounded by Clemson fans, they were terrified of this scenario a few years ago but are not now. Reasons -- Dabo has become deeply embedded at Clemson, which is now his program, and the guy won't use the transfer portal and fights against NIL. He's going to coach at Bama? Yes, Dabo is ticked right now that the fan base harrassed him, but they have showered him with love since the notorious radio call with Tyler from Spartanburg. So it's possible given his deep roots in Bama. But I too don't think it's likely.
I have a good feeling about Trente, which would really help. But I think Nugent was a grad transfer. I mean you have to leave college some time, don't you?
If Trente stays we have El Hadi, Crippen, Trente, and Hinton. That's not a bad start. Add in a couple or three transfers and we'll be good to go.
Of course, the big one is JJ.
He lived here in Greenville, SC for a number of years. It was across the street from my daughter-in-law's parents house. He said he was there to be near a daughter. Always cheerful and always thrilled by our "Go Blue"s.
The key is going to be our red zone defense. I expect this game to play out on defense just like the 21 and 22 OSU games. I.e., they can move pretty freely from 20 to 20 but find the red zone another matter. As such, I expect touchdowns to be hard to get for UW. Meanwhile, how is that defense going to stop us on offense, unless we stop ourselves? So, a clean game on offense and Michigan should win.
I have had similar thoughts. But if they go first and you get a turnover, you can just line up and kick a field goal. That's a big advantage.
Thanks for your detailed thoughts. But I really think people are giving Bama too much credit this season.